NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his longtime aide Cade Cothren are scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday in federal court.
The hearing was delayed after U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson overturned three of their convictions last week, a fraud charge and two bribery counts. The judge ruled the two men did not qualify as “agents” of the state when Casada lobbied for legislative contracts involving Phoenix Solutions, a political mailer company secretly owned by Cothren.
Casada still faces sentencing on 14 counts, while Cothren was convicted on 16 additional counts. Prosecutors said the two steered taxpayer-funded business to Phoenix Solutions.
Former state Rep. Robin Smith, who pleaded guilty in 2022 and testified against her colleagues, is also awaiting sentencing.
I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp
